Levada dos Balcões (PR11): the easiest great view in Madeira
A short, flat walk from Ribeiro Frio to a balcony viewpoint over Madeira’s central mountains, with birds that come to your hand. Distance, booking and tips.
If you only have time for one short walk, make it this one. A flat path from the village of Ribeiro Frio follows a levada through the forest and ends at the Balcões, a viewpoint perched over the deep valleys of the island’s centre, with Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo above.
The facts
- Trail: PR11, Vereda dos Balcões
- Start: Ribeiro Frio, on the road between Funchal and the north coast
- Distance: about 1.5 km one way, 3 km return
- Time: about 1 hour return
- Difficulty: easy, nearly level, a few uneven sections
- Booking: time slot and fee required for non-residents. See trail fees and booking
What you see
The path passes through laurel forest and a short rock cutting before opening onto the viewpoint. On clear mornings the ridges of the central massif stand out sharply; on misty days the clouds drift through the valleys below you.
Small birds, especially chaffinches, often land on the railing and sometimes on your hand. Please don’t feed them bread.
Combine it with
- The trout farm and café at Ribeiro Frio, where you can try a local pastry and see the tanks.
- Levada do Furado (PR10), a longer walk from Ribeiro Frio to Portela through ancient forest.
- A drive on to the north coast, Santana or Faial.
Tips
- Go early in the morning for clear views and fewer people.
- Ribeiro Frio is cooler and damper than the coast; take a light jacket.
- It is a good walk for families with children who can walk a few kilometres. See easy levada walks.
Sources: IFCN, PR11 Vereda dos Balcões